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Kernel Developers Issue Joint Statement on Device Drivers

Position Statement on Linux Kernel Modules

"We, the undersigned Linux kernel developers, consider any
closed-source Linux kernel module or driver to be harmful and
undesirable. We have repeatedly found them to be detrimental to
Linux users, businesses, and the greater Linux ecosystem. Such
modules negate the openness, stability, flexibility, and
maintainability of the Linux development model and shut their users
off from the expertise of the Linux community. Vendors that provide
closed-source kernel modules force their customers to give up key
Linux advantages or choose new vendors. Therefore, in order to take
full advantage of the cost savings and shared support benefits open
source has to offer, we urge vendors to adopt a policy of
supporting their customers on Linux with open-source kernel
code..."

The Linux Driver Model: A Better Way to Support Devices

"Linux today supports more hardware devices than any other
operating system in the history of the world. It does this using a
development model significantly different from the familiar Windows
device driver model. The Linux development process continues to
evolve to better support the needs of Independent Hardware Vendors
(IHVs), distributions, and other members of the community, and the
advantages of the Linux model are increasing with time. While Linux
will not provide a stable source or binary interface for driver
developers, IHVs should familiarize themselves with a number of
useful projects, many sponsored by the Linux Foundation, that ease
driver development, including the Hardware NDA program, the Linux
Drivers Project, and the Driver Backport Workgroup. When IHVs
engage with the Linux community, they almost invariably find that
the Linux driver model provides significant benefits that lower
their costs while producing better drivers..."